Farmhouse, SUV, bike — and Rs 15K salary: Ram temple donation theft accused’s assets under scanner

LUCKNOW: A Rs 65-lakh house in Ayodhya. A newly built farmhouse in his native village. A motorcycle with a price tag of over Rs 1 lakh. A Mahindra Scorpio booked recently. All this and more — at just 22 while drawing about Rs 15,000 a month.UP police are probing whether arrested Ram temple donation theft accused Anukalp Mishra amassed assets far beyond his known income. Investigators are examining whether the acquisitions were funded through legitimate earnings or linked to the alleged embezzlement of donations.According to police sources, investigators are verifying claims that Anukalp recently constructed a farmhouse on the outskirts of his native Basawa village and purchased a house in Ayodhya last year, which is now estimated to be worth around Rs 65 lakh.They are also examining reports that, despite already owning a vehicle, he had initiated the process of purchasing a Mahindra Scorpio SUV shortly before his arrest. Officials said documents relating to these alleged assets are being scrutinised to determine the source of funds used for the purchases.The financial probe follows the recovery of property-related documents during police searches at Anukalp’s residence in Kaushalpuri on Sunday.Investigators are examining bank records, property papers and other financial documents to establish whether the acquisitions were backed by legitimate income or linked to the alleged embezzlement of devotees’ donations.Police are verifying claims that he recently purchased a motorcycle worth over Rs 1 lakh despite his known income profile.Police are verifying information that he organised a lavish seven-day religious event in his village in April this year, attended by prominent personalities.While some neighbours told police that the family’s financial condition improved significantly over the past few years, investigators said such statements were only being treated as leads.Besides Anukalp Mishra, police are preparing to scrutinise the movable and immovable assets of all other arrested accused to establish the money trail.Beyond the cash recoveries made so far, investigators will examine property records, income sources and financial transactions to determine whether any assets were accumulated disproportionately to known sources of income.Sources linked to the probe said investigators will examine records of land, houses and other immovable properties registered in the names of the accused, along with sale deeds, mutation entries and property transactions conducted in recent years.Alongside property documents, police will scrutinise bank accounts and high-value financial activity, including investments, insurance policies, lockers and other financial instruments. Investigators will also analyse income tax returns and other available financial records to cross-check declared income against assets accumulated over time.Police officials indicated the probe will extend beyond Ayodhya, as several accused are natives of other districts.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Lucknow | Silver Rate in Lucknow | Bank Holidays in Lucknow | Public Holidays in Lucknow | Lucknow AQI | Weather in Lucknow | Petrol Price in Lucknow | Diesel Price in Lucknow | CNG Price in Lucknow | LPG Price in LucknowStay updated with the latest Lucknow news. Download the TOI App.